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A round up of the action from match day 8

benantcliff — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:51:16 +0000

3rd Team

: Nathan Blissett – strong presence upfront

The 3rd team fixture was on as they had to travel away to Warwick to play Warwick 2nd team. The 3rd’s started strongly and were unlucky not to be winning by half time as Tom Bisson rounded the Warwick goalkeeper only to see his shot cleared off the line.

After the interval Warwick stated to get into the game and were close to being rewarding when they struck the crossbar after some poor marking by Staffs’ A mistake from James Ireson almost lead to a spectacular own goal as his miss-hit clearance spiraled over the helpless Sam Pollard in the Staffordshire goal only for the spin to take the ball wide.

First blood went to Warwick as a cross was parried by Pollard allowing the on rushing striker to apply the finish using his thigh.

Staffordshire reacted positively and upped their game, just rewards were received when Steven O’Reilly was brought down in the penalty box and a spot kick was awarded much to the delight of Tom Bisson who stuck it away coolly to draw Staffordshire level.

The game looked to be heading for a point-a-piece but with no less than one minute to play Warwick scored a screamer from 25 yards which rocketed into the top corner to collect all three points.

Nathan Blissett was outstanding upfront for Staffordshire linking well with Steven O’Reilly whilst Sam Pollard in the Staffs goal also played well and with his improved consistency Sam looks to be a great asset to the 3rd’s.

Captain Brad Clark said: “I was disappointed with the loss as we were the better team on the day and they didn’t really have any clear cut chances all game, just a lucky goal and a long shot. We have got a break from the league now so can concentrate on the cup next week against Newman’s College.”

A round up of the action from match day 7

benantcliff — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:29:39 +0000

1’st team

Scott Chaplin - scored twice

As the season rolls on into the winter months the fixtures are truly hotting up, the 1’st took on Northampton 1^st team and needed to win to keep in touch at the top.

They did exactly what was expected of them, Northampton were second from bottom before the game but proved to be a challenge for Staffordshire. Staffs started well taking the lead through Scott Chaplin but struggling Northampton were not phased by this, they responded well scoring twice to take the lead. Moments later Chaplin added to his first to pull Staffs back into the game and on the stroke of half time club Captain Steve Johnson scored his first of the season which proved to be the winner.

Chris McLaughlin was impressive with a real all-round midfielder’s performance winning everything in the air, working very hard and showing a good passing ability.

Captain Sefa Atay said: “I’m glad to end our three game drawing run. We are still top of the league, which sets us in good nick for the rest of the season. I am pleased with the team as a whole, everyone showed great commitment and effort.”

2^nd’ team

It was to be a top versus bottom clash as Aston 1^st’s were the visitors to Nelson Hall in week 7 and it turned out to be a classic. After some big chances and some equally big saves from Matt Slater in the Staffordshire goal Aston took the lead mid way through the first half. Staff’s responded positively scoring right on the stroke of half time through a sweetly struck volley from Ben Antcliff.

Aston regained the lead but again Staff’s showed character replying with a neatly taken goal from Mohammed Razzak who is proving to be clinical in front of goal and it was he who scored what looked like a winner with 3 minutes to play. Again his technique and composure shone through enabling him to score.

This game was to take a horrible twist from a Staffordshire point of view as a penalty was awarded with 2 minutes to play after a lunge from the impressive Thomas Ramsey. Aston converted and it looked like they would have to settle for a point, but it wasn’t to be as all of their hard work was undone with seconds remaining when a second half substitute for Aston poke home the winner after a goal mouth scramble.

Captain Ben Antcliff said: “I am absolutely devastated. We matched and bettered Aston throughout the match and took our chances well, credit to Razz (Mohammed Razzak). I think we switched off for the last 5 minutes and this lapse in concentration has cost us so dearly.”

3’rd team

The 3^rd’s needed to win to stay in contention for the crown of ‘league champions’ with Worcester who were heading the table. And they did not disappoint, enjoying a 3-1 victory at home against Oxford Brookes 2^nd team.

The opener was scored by a man who certainly knows how to find the net, Tom Bisson scored again, set up neatly via a defence splitting pass by Brad Clark.

Nathan Blissett fired home a second to double Staff’s lead following good work from Josh Green. A mistake by Dan Farmer allowed Oxford to pulled one back, but capping off an impressive display and sealing the win was Josh Green who finished a move consisting of great two touch football with a smart first time finish.

Despite his mistake Farmer looked impressive throughout and his performance was recognized by Captain Brad Clark who said: “Dan (Farmer) was our best player despite a mistake which led to their only goal. Apart from that was solid throughout at centre back.”

Dan Royle had another solid game, this time filling in at right-back after an injury in the warm up to Brad Cornwell.

Bard Clark also added: “I’m very pleased with the result. They were joint 2nd with us, plus Worcester lost which means we are now joint top. We were the better team throughout and could have scored plenty more goals if we had more composure up front. I thought it was our best performance of the season, especially in the second half where we dominated the whole game.”

4^th team

The 4^th team enjoyed a 1-0 win at home against Harper Adams University curtsy of a Nav Nakwal goal with 2 minutes left on the clock. This was route-one football at its very best: along kick from goal-keeper Ben Cooper set up Nakwal much to the joy of Captain Mike Macias.

Macias, known as ‘Muscles Mike’ within the club seems to have installed discipline alongside a good work ethic to the fourth team this season and his regimented approach seems to be working. This hard work was epitomized by Jim Hazleton who Macias felt was man of match, although he did praise his whole team’s effort.

In reflection on the game Macias said: “This was our best performance of the season. We are definitely improving with every game. The boys work rate was incredible. Both teams were evenly matched throughout, but we kept plugging away and were rewarded with the winner late on.”

A round up of the action from match day 6

benantcliff — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:47:50 +0000

1^st team

The 1^st team’s unbeaten run came to an end against the University of East Anglia. The 1^st’s were without a string of players including the injured Sefa Atay, who was named as there only substitute, Jake Bowyer who is also injured, Michael Cartner and newly promoted James Smith from the 2^nd’s along with long term absentee Matt Lewis who is out for the whole season with a ligament damage.

UEA ran out 3-2 winners in an exciting game having been in control through most of the game. UEA took the lead but Scott Chaplin made it one-a-piece scoring his 5^th goal of the season after some quick thinking between himself and Fergus McIntosh.

UEA then restored the lead and doubled the gap to make it 3-1. Scott Chaplin scored a magnificent goal picking the ball up on the edge of the 18-yard box, beating his marker and then slotting home low past the goal keeper’s right to make it 3-2, his goal was described by his team mates as: “Pretty Tasty”.

Captain Sefa Atay was a little disappointed but could but sympathized with his team: “The better team on the day won, we didn’t pass the ball well and our movement was not as good as it has previously been.

2^nd team

Craig Bailey - showed aerial dominance

The 2^nd’s sailed to victory against a weak Oxford Brookes 4^th team at home, winning the game 4-0. Again Staffs started very slowly and were saved after a magnificent save by the much improved Matt Slater in goal. Ben Antcliff squandered an early chance but redeemed himself crossing to set up Mohammed Razzak who was to have a massive impact in the game.

After the half time break Staffs seem to grow in confidence and that man Mohammed Razzak added to his first half goal with a mazy run which took him past 3 players and enabled him to slot home with ease. Razzak completed a memorable hat-trick after combining passes with a few team mates and weaving his way through on goal.

Captain Ben Antcliff gave debuts to a few players but it was Choi that completed the scoring for Staffs in a great team move consisting of great passing awareness and movement.

Antcliff was happy with the win: “First and foremost I am happy with the win. Our first half was poor but once we settled we played some good football.”

The captain also sang praise for two players in particular: “Craig (Bailey) and Adam (Smith) were absolutely sensational. Craig won everything in the air and was truly a prominent figure, Adam won every tackle, breaking down play well, and his passing was also of the highest quality. I’d give both players a 10/10.”

3^rd team

The 3^rd’s travelled to and beat De Montford (Leicester) 4^th’s 4-1. The second hat-trick of the day came courtesy of Tom Bisson. De Montford had scored to make it 2-1 but Bisson’s third along with Ed Goka’s neat finish slashed any hope of a comeback.

Man of the Match, surprisingly didn’t go to Bisson but instead was awarded to winger Tom Cullen whose corners and free kicks were of high quality, always causing problems for the opposition, this along with a solid defensive performance earned Cullen man of the match. Captain Brad Clark said: “Rob Bailey was also effective throughout as was Oli Bennet and Sam Pollard in goal.”

Clark also added: “I thought it was a good solid performance today against a team with about 6 ringers. We had spells where the football we played was really good and we tore them apart but also had spells when we were on the back foot that we need to cut out of our game.”

4^th team

The 4^th’s also won by four goals to nil away at Leicester against their 5^th team. Josh Heathcoat made it a hat-trick of hat-tricks for Staffordshire teams this Wednesday, the icing on the cake was applied by Shaun Edwards who also saw himself get on the score sheet.

Man of the match was Iain Mann who showed a tireless display at right back and didn’t put a foot wrong all game. His willingness to get forward and sheer fitness to work back was a good outlet for the 4^th’s.

Captain Mike Macias said: “I thought the first half was frustrating as we were outplaying them without taking any chances, before going one up just before the break. Second-half was more encouraging and we were braver going forward. This is the result and performance we have been craving for. Our back four were a solid unit, Jim, Marshy, Iain and Simon who deserve credit. I’m gutted to not have a game next week as it would have been good to build on this display.”

All the action from match day 5

benantcliff — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:27:34 +0000

1^st Team

The 1^st team recorded their third draw on the trot against Cambridge

Craig Hickman - solid in defence

1^st team to remain unbeaten. Playing at their home pitch Nelson Hall the 1^st’s took an impressive 2-0 lead with the goals courtesy of the in-form top goal scorer for the 1^st’s Scott Chaplin and Fergus McIntosh who added to Chaplin’s opener.

Man of the match was awarded to Craig Hickman, who was solid at the heart of the Staffs defense winning headers and dealing with trouble easily. Captain Sefa Atay said: “I am very frustrated at giving away a 2-0 lead and conceding in the last minute. I feel we deserved to take all three points. We need to get ourselves out of this rut of drawing games and turn draws into wins.”

2^nd Team

The 2^nd team slumped to a 2-1 defeat away at Wolverhampton 1^st team. Wolves took a 2-0 lead going into half time after Staffs failed to retain good possession giving away the ball sloppily and wasting possession. This came after Staffs were forced into two early substitutions due to injuries to Alex Richards and Severiano Catindig-Stagg within the opening ten minutes.

Dom grabbed his first goal but it wasn’t enough to inspire a comeback, good performances from Kieran Connoly and Craig Bailey were positives to take form the game for Staffs.

Captain Ben Antcliff said: “We need to stop making such sloppy starts to matches. When we keep games tight in the first half we usually go on to do well in them. I am pleased that Dom got his first goal and with some player’s performances but others did not pull their weight and I will address that in training and my team selection next week.”

3^rd Team

Tom Bisson - scores again

The 3^rd team travelled south to Oxford Brookes 3^rd’s and won 2-1. Despite the win Captain Brad Clark complained about condition of the pitch as it was very ‘boggy’ and ‘wet’ and about the referee who he felt had a poor game.

Oxford took a very early lead within ten minutes but Staffs savior was yet again Tom Bisson. Bisson scored his 5^th of the season with a curling effort to equalize. With about ten minutes until time, Josh Green nicked in front of the Oxford goalkeeper to score the winner goal after coming on as substitute.

Brad Clark named Nathan Blissett as his best player because he was a constant danger upfront, with good performances coming from both Josh Green and Dan Royle who were very effective on the wings. With goals from midfield and impressive movement and penetration up front the 3^rd team look real contenders for the B.U.C.S 4a title.

Clark also added: “We should have won the game by more goals. We created lots of chances which we missed. I am pleased we won as it was a tough game against the elements and means we keep in touch with Worcester who are top.”

4^th Team

The 4^th team played Newman’s College and lost 3-1. Nav Nakhwal

Elliot Ryan - born leader

scored Staffs only goal after a great piece of link up play between strikers Josh Heathcoat and Shaun Edwards who made the chance for Nav who finished well.

Elliot Ryan was influential for the 4^th’s and looked like a born leader showing fantastic commitment throughout the match alongside good quality in possession.

Macias explained he was: “Encouraged by the performance, despite the score. If we show the same commitment and effort for our next game then I am confident that we can win.”

Mike Macias was impressed despite the defeat: “However, it was our performance of the season so far. Played well for the majority of 90mins, although a few lapses in concentration allowed the opposition to nick the first goal which gave Newman College momentum.”

The 2-0 deficit was halved, giving Cambridge a strand of belief, this belief was realized by Staffs when in the last minute goalkeeper Dan Caliste was rounded and Cambridge had equalized against the run of play.

A round up of the action from match day 4 – 29/10/2008

benantcliff — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:30:13 +0000

1st Team

Match day four proved to offer a change of fortune and momentum in the league for most teams. The 1^st’s however continued their unbeaten run drawing 1-1 away to Coventry 1^st’s. Scott Chaplin opened the scoring, converting from the penalty spot only for the score to be leveled later on. Last week’s stroke of luck which allowed Staffs to equalize seemed to evade the 1^st’s this week as they struck woodwork on three occasions.

Man of the match for Staffs was Jake Bowyer, who was called up from the 2^nd’s on short notice due to the illness picked up by Chris McLaughlin. Jake fitted into the 1^st team seamlessly, keeping the ball well, rarely conceding possession and battling hard.

Captain Sefa Atay said: “We were unlucky, deserved to win the game but we have played three away games and are still unbeaten. We must win at home next week against Cambridge.”

2nd Team

The 2^nd’s enjoyed a successful afternoon winning 2-1 at home against

James Smith - wonder goal

Birmingham City University 1^st’s. The fixture was re-arranged on the day due to a water-logged pitch at Birmingham but Staffs did not let this affect the revived hunger.

Mohammed Razzak poked home to make it 1-0 after half time following a scramble after an Alex Richards corner was not dealt with convincingly. The seconds seem to have found their feet in recent weeks and their second goal showed real awareness and class as Staffs hit Birmingham on the break exchanging crisp passes which led to an acrobatically finish from James Smith. BCU pulled one back which made for a tense finish but Staffs had enough to see off the midland side and collect a deserved three points.

In a great team performance it is hard to single out a man of the match so a mention must go to Matt Slater for the second game on the trot who controlled his area well and looks to be improving with every minute he plays, Severiano Catindig-Stagg was impressive, his communication and cool head proved valuable to the team. James Smith grew as the game went on and looked to have real quality in possession.

Captain Ben Antcliff said: “I am not only pleased with the result but I am more pleased with the performance. Sometimes in football you win but don’t deserve to or you lose but deserve to win, we both won and deserved the win.”

3rd Team

The 3^rd’s lost 3-2 at home against Worcester 3rds in a thoroughly exciting encounter in which Staffs had the lead snatched from their grasp on two occasions .The ever improving and impressive Tom Bisson scored twice and was probably the 3^rd’s most influential player although nobody really stood out in a poor team performance.

The thirds took the lead only for the goal to be canceled out, Staffs regained the lead to make the score 2-1. Having leveled the score for the second time in the game Worcester won a late penalty in the 85th minute to seal Brad Clark and his team’s misery taking the score to 3-2 and earning all three points.

Dan Royle - consistant performer

Captain Brad Clark took heart from Dan Royle’s impressive performance. Royle set up one of the goals and his crossing and pace was of high quality throughout.

A disappointed Captain said this on reflection: “I am very annoyed that we had let a lead slip twice and come away from the game with nothing. I thought there were too many individual errors and will be expecting a much better performance against Oxford Brookes 3rds next week. We were a better side than them (Worcester) but they took their chances and we missed too many of ours.”

4th Team

Mike Macias’s 4^th team lost 4-1 away at Derby 2nds taking their goals conceded to a huge 10 in two games. Josh Heathcoat scored Staffs only goal to equalize in a well taken strike from 20 yards with the outside of his right boot, firing unstoppably in to the top right hand corner and was described by Macias as: “Our best player by a country mile.”

Mike appreciated Heathcoat’s great footwork and applauded his energy levels. Josh was at the heart of all things good for Staffs and could have had a hat-trick if not for oppositions solid defending.

The Captain explained how he was: “Annoyed, let down and disappointed. I know we can do better. We have periods of great football, it’s just trying to perform like that for 90 minutes that’s the problem. I think lack of concentration is a big factor.”

Re-arranged 1st team fixture

benantcliff — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:25:01 +0000

1^st Team

Having won two on the trot the 1st’s went into this re-arranged A long two and half hour trip south to Cambridge is never an exciting acquisition but Atay’s men meant business against Cambridge’s 1st team.

With forced changes, as two first team regulars were not available for selection for this Saturday fixture due to other commitments, the 1st’s were a tad short with regards to selection. A poor first half for Staffordshire ended goalless. Stern words at half time from the Captain (Sefa Atay) seemed to motivate Staffs who had the majority of the chances in the second half.

A defence splitting pass sliced through the right side of the Staffordshire defence allowing Cambridge to take the lead late on. Some good saves form Dan Calliste kept Staffs in the tie previous to the goal. With 10 minutes to go Staffs were handed a lifeline by the Cambridge goalkeeper who slipped, presenting the ball to Fergus McIntosh who made no mistake in salvaging a point.

Captain Atay said: “I am disappointed that we didn’t win today, we had enough chances to take all three points. We are still unbeaten and top of the league so I’m not too disheartened.”

All the action from match day 3 – 29/10/2009

benantcliff — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:19:05 +0000

2^nd Team

Scott Taylor - scored Staffordshire's winner

Only the 2^nd’s were in action this week following the other three teams receiving bye’s into the next rounds of their cup’s respectively. The 2^nd’s took on Lincoln 3^rd’s at Leek Road, Staffordshire, a fixture that proved to be a tough, hard fought match with whole hearted tackles round every corner.

In the post match interview last week Captain Ben Antcliff said the wanted to see an improvement in his teams work rate and desire next time out and his players responded brilliantly to his plea.

After a close first half finished goalless the breakthrough came when top goal scorer Scott Taylor proved his prominence in the air with a thumping header to take his tally to two, sending both the record crowd and his team mates into raptures.

Jake Bowyer had a chance to seal all three points late on, narrowly volleying wide following good work from Mohammed Razzak down the left flank. A confident performance from Matt Slater in goal for Staffordshire enabled Antcliff’s men to hang on to record their first win of the season and book their place in the next round of the cup.

A round up of the action from match day 2 – 22/10/08

benantcliff — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:12:41 +0000

1st Team

The 1^st’s recorded a priceless victory against Loughborough 3^rd’s to

Chris McLaughlin - all-round midfielder

make it two wins in two games. A streak of luck handed Staffordshire the first goal when Scott Chaplin’s curled free-kick was pushed against the bar only to be followed up and put away by the ever assertive Michael Cartner.

The second goal had slightly less fortune as a stunning left foot shot was driven into the top corner by Chris McLaughlin. Loughborough pulled one back but Staffs did enough to hold on to all three points.

Chris was named man of the match by Captain Sefa Atay not only for his thunder-bolt opener but because of his work rate and teamwork. Atay was pleased with his team’s performance: “I knew this was going to be a tough fixture but we worked hard and in the end we deserved to collect the points. I was particularly pleased with my team’s movement, we passed and move very well which made us a constant threat.

2nd Team

The 2^nd’s continued their poor start to the season by losing 4-0 at home against the University of Birmingham’s men’s 2nd team. A well organized Birmingham side had too much composure for the struggling Staffordshire side.

No player shone in a poor team performance but the half time introduction of Jake Bowyer was one that may sure up the midfield for future games. Bowyer’s passing and movement along with always wanting the ball were impressive.

A distraught captain Ben Antcliff said: “Our first two performances have been nowhere near what I expect. If our work-rate and desire doesn’t improve then I will have to consider changes. I want to see a team performance against Lincoln in the cup next week.”

3rd Team

The 3^rd’s joined the 1^st’s on maximum points from two games after a confident second half performance led to a 2-0 win against Warwick 3^rd’s. The goals came from Tom Bisson and Nathan Blissett whilst man of the match was awarded Tom Samsung whose composure and solid performance was impressive.

A close contender for man of the match was goalkeeper Sam Pollard, who saved a second half penalty which may have led to Warwick regaining confidence and getting back into the game.

4th Team

Similarities between the 2^nd’s and the 4^th’s can be easily drawn this week as the 4^th’s slumped to a 6-1 defeat at home to Birmingham 4^th’s. Captain Mike Macias said: “There was no outstanding player for us in this terrible performance. The less said about this result the better, I am not happy.”

As a result of his teams display Macias showed a hands-on approach by organizing a team building exercise for his team on Monday instead of the usual training session in an attempt to re-build his team’s morale and confidence.

Welcome . . .

benantcliff — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:18:31 +0000

. . . . . . to the first and only website devoted to the Staffordshire University Men’s football team. Show-casing all the latest news, images and videos surrounding Staffs football including match write-ups and interviews with all the captain’s. The only website that keeps you up to date and in the know about Staffs football.

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benantcliff — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:34:09 +0000

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